Army Colonel Scott Stephens has been suspended from official duties after social media posts purportedly belonging to him celebrated the killing of Charlie Kirk, the Army confirmed to Fox News Digital. The posts, which surfaced following Kirk’s tragic death in Utah, included statements that condemned the victim while justifying his fate.

Stephens’ remarks, which were shared on Facebook, claimed: “We can take comfort in the face that Charlie was doing what he loved best – spreading messages of hate, racism, homophobia, misogyny, and transphobia on college campuses.” He further stated, “I would offer empathy, but Charlie hated empathy,” and suggested Kirk’s death was a consequence of his years of inciting political violence.

The Department of War swiftly acted to suspend Stephens, with an Army spokesperson confirming the decision and noting an ongoing investigation into his conduct. Stephens could not be reached for comment by publication time.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized that the military would hold accountable any personnel who “cheer on horrific tragedies,” stating, “Our military has no need for people who celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk.” The Pentagon had previously announced it was monitoring active-duty members who made public comments supporting Kirk’s killing.